Bernard Lonclas Blanc de Blancs Grand Brut NV

This is a true Blanc de Blancs Champagne, meaning it's crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes sourced from old vines in the prestigious Vitryat area. The Lonclas family's specialisation in this style, with over 80% of their vineyards dedicated to Chardonnay, allows them to achieve exceptional depth and complexity. The minimum three years of lees ageing develops those signature yeasty, biscuity notes that distinguish authentic Champagne from other sparkling wines.

The 95 points from James Suckling and Chairman's Trophy from the Champagne and Sparkling World Championships reflect the exceptional quality achieved through old vine fruit and meticulous winemaking. Old vines typically produce lower yields but more concentrated flavours, contributing to the wine's powerful aromatics and persistent finish. The combination of traditional Champagne methods with fruit from established vineyards creates a complexity that critics and competitions consistently recognise.

The wine's minerality and crisp acidity make it exceptional with shellfish, particularly the recommended freshly shucked oysters which complement the wine's oceanic mineral notes. The yeasty, pastry-like characteristics from lees ageing also pair beautifully with soft cheeses, smoked salmon, or even fried chicken. The citrus and stone fruit flavours provide enough richness to handle creamy sauces while maintaining the refreshing quality essential for celebratory moments.

Serve well-chilled at 6-8°C in flute or tulip glasses to preserve the fine mousse and concentrate the aromatics. Store bottles horizontally in a cool, dark place away from vibration - the cork needs to stay moist to maintain the seal. As an NV Champagne that's already aged on lees, it's ready to drink now but can develop further complexity over 2-3 years if stored properly.

NV stands for 'Non-Vintage', meaning this Champagne is a blend of wines from multiple years rather than a single harvest. This allows the producer to maintain a consistent house style by balancing the characteristics of different vintages. The blending process often results in more approachable, food-friendly wines that showcase the producer's signature style rather than the quirks of one particular year's weather conditions.